New Page 1

Alumni News

Spring 07

ALL ALUMNI ROWERS

Please notify us if you know of anyone, including yourselves, who may be interested in a coaching position:

We would like to update and expand our alumni page.

Please email us with information about yourself (eg. college attended/attending, etc.).

ALUMNI NEWS UPDATES
updated March 2007

At the Head of the Schuylkill regatta this past weekend, we raced as the St. Anthony's Alumni in the men's
open four category. Although we placed middle of the pack it was a great race and a great time. Having not rowed together as a bunch ever, we quickly all fell back in to the old style and really started cranking at it.
The stroke rate at the beginning of the race was a 26 as we grinded down all the rust, but by the end we
were moving really well with a 36 rate and all oars off the water (with RATIO mind you). We passed a boat
and held off a charge from the second place finishing boat for the last mile. Man we love sprinting.
        With driver and motivator extraordinaire, Jessie Roy (Class of '04; currently at Univ. of Delaware) coxing,
the boat like it was an indy car and Melissa Shokoufandeh (Class of '01; graduate of Fordham University)
lending the boat her amazing power and technique from the bow how could we not finish strong? The rest of
the real alumni in the boat were starboards. Two seat was rowed by a not so lightweight Peter Coppinger
(Class of '03... attending St. Joseph's academy and holder of the Dad Vail Freshman Lightweight record) with
still a lightweight Tom Wieland (Class of '03...currently rower at the United States Coast Guard Academy, recipient of the Ross Oar award) stroking. Three seat was filled in by an non-friar due to a void left by one of
the following three rowers [Jim Russo Class of 04...he had an excuse as he was rowing for navy that day;
Chris Farrell (class of '04) who had no good excuse; and Eric Beck (Class of '03) who was busy "bombin' "
down the go kart circuit] Although a non-friar, he definitely rowed like one. Russ Miller (US Coast Guard
alumni and soon to be Michigan university rower) backed up the stroke seat like any 7/3 seat should.

        It was a great race and we owe a large amount of thanks to the team for the use of equipment and for
keeping the trailer there long enough for us to use it. I hope that this race can really show all the present
rowers there what kind of bond and connection you will have with St.. Anthony's alumni when you graduate.
I also hope that maybe sometime in the future a challenge may be taken by the senior's to scrimmage a
couple of the alumni who would really like a crack at all you guys. Good luck this winter and row hard
because the spring is where it's at. Who knows maybe one or two of us will join you for your workouts.
If any rowers have any questions about college rowing, or any interest in attending one of the schools any one
of us have attended please get in touch with us and there is no doubt in my mind you will receive a lot of inside
info and assistance.
Row hard, and have fun!
           TOm Wieland and Pete Coppinger (Captains of '02-'03)
            (Dan Petillo Award...and MVP award respectively--- we are still proud)

P.S. A St. Anthony's Alumni during the race from another boat noticed that we were rowing the
Dan PATILLO M2 four and rowed over to us to make sure we knew how much it meant to row that boat
(even though it was mispelt!) as that was his rowing buddy when he graduated who died. [Jason Aleksak Class of '96] You guys are part of some history and making the rest as you go, take pride in it.

Hello, I was reading the St. A's alumni newsletter and saw the paragraph about students who received scholarships for rowing. I rowed at St. Anthony's and graduated in '99 and accepted a rowing scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston Mass where I got to compete in the Rowing World Cup in '01. I graduated University with 2 degrees and am currently rowing on the womens sweeps team with Riverside Boat Club in Cambridge, MA. Thank you, Geren Horsley gerenboston@aol.com

St. Anthonys Crew; I am glad to hear of your performances this past fall season. I believe it is the best showing St. Anthony's has ever had in its fall season. I expect great things from you all in the spring. To this years seniors enjoy it while you can, things may be tough but after a few months in college you will look back and wonder where it all went. You will all have taken away something unique from your last 4 years or so. These skills and habits will carry you through the rest of your lives. I hope when I was captain I was able to impart some knowledge or skill onto you that will help you in the future as my seniors did for me. To the juniors, you are the future leaders and you should take the time to learn what you can from your seniors. They have valuable things to pass on, from good and bad examples and times. Enjoy your junior year and anticipate your senior, it only gets better. To the sophomores hang in there your almost a blue coat. Things will be tough enjoy your first year on varsity, and take part in everything you can. To the freshman, the novice, this is a time to learn the basics learn what its all about. Work hard through these "dark ages" as we call the winter in the Navy, have fun and respect those above you it will all come down to you one day. To all my team, enjoy every moment of it, if you put a lot into it, this team will give you a lot more back than you think. It gave me more than I ever expected. My life in the NAVY at NAVY PREP is outstanding and busy but never to busy for my team. If you ever need me my email addresses are c158vette@aol.com, Russ2238@naps.edu and my phone is 631 682 5960. Im always available for you guys if you need me. Now is the time, the time to win, and winning is more than just a medal. Take pride in yourselves, your teammates, and your school. Sometimes thats all we have....Ill continue to be in touch God Willing. Forever your captain. Jimmy Russo.

My name is Ed Haas. I am Courtney's Dad and past president of St. Anthony's Crew. I review the web site every so often. Congratulations with all your successes especially the Head of the Charles!
When Courtney started as a freshman the crew team had 2 boats, an 4 and an 8 that split in half.
Our trailer was a van with the boats on the roof. When she left the Millennium's were on order. Courtney went to Villanova on a Navy scholarship. She is in her second year of her four year obligation. She has been to the Persian Gulf, San Diego, and just recently left for Japan. That is
why I am writing. If anyone is so inclined, I am sure she would like to hear some crew stories.
After all she can't row a 600 ft. Destroyer. Her email address is haasc@fitzgerald.navy.mil.
Thank you and God bless.

My name is George Gatta and I graduated from St. A's in '00. I was at the Charles this past weekend with some of my teammates from Holy Cross. I was floored when I saw how well the v8 did on Sunday morning. Absolutely amazing. Please let them know how proud the alums are of them. I believe that it is the best showing that "Tony's" ever had at a race as large as the Charles. Great job coaching and recruiting them. It must have been great for the guys to knock off Chaminade! Be sure that your seniors who are looking to row in college contact HC men's coach Tom Sullivan or our new crew administrator/recruiter Lindsay Beauregard (http://www.holycross.edu/departments/athletics/website/rowing-m/mcrew.htm). Best of luck in Philly.   Have a great day. George > > >George J. Gatta >Litigation Paralegal >Winston & Strawn LLP >200 Park Avenue >New York, NY 10166 >212-294-6737 >Fax: 212-294-4700 >

Atlantic Ten and ECAC, 2004

Hi This is Liz Koenig,
I just wanted to tell you some of my results that you may be able to put on the alumni site.
Atlantic 10 championships 1st in Novice 8 a first for URI
and 2nd overall for team points trophy

ECAC 3rd in Novice 8 first novice boat to ever place
team trophy for third.

Elizabeth Koenig, Class of 03

Big Ten Championships, 2004

I just wanted to let you guys know that on May 1st at the Big Ten
Championship Regatta in Iowa City Iowa, my boat won 1st place. I was the
stroke of the 4 which won the Big Ten Title for Michigan State University.
We have had an undefeated Season. Best Of luck at Nationals in Florida, I'll
be cheering for you!

Elizabeth Brennan, Class of 02

ECAC Championships on Sunday, May 9, 2004

Kerri O'Brien, Alumni rower of St A's crew Class of 2003 and freshman at Marist, rowed in the Women Varsity 4 boat which took gold at The ECAC Championships. This was the first time Marist women have won a gold medal at this championship race.

Dad Vail Regatta, Saturday, May 8, 2004 Philadelphia, PA

Peter Coppinger, Alumni rower of St. A's crew Class of 2003 and freshman at St. Josephs University rowed in the Novice Lightweight Eight and took 1st place at the Dad Vail Regatta.

Hello,

Well it has been a long time since I have contacted anyone in regards to St. A's crew. I graduated St. A's in 96' and was a rower for all 4 years. My senior year I was the captain
of the men's varsity and have nothing but fond memories. I attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and graduated in 2000. I was then stationed in Kodiak Alaska on a ship and
am now back as an instructor at the Academy. I am also the men's novice coach here
and have the pleasure of coaching a few St. A's 2003 graduates. Everything is going
great.   I am married with a 1 yr. old son and live couldn't be better. I
hope all is well with the team. The Coast Guard Academy will be at the Head
of the Connecticut as well as the Head of the Charles, so I hope to see the
team there. Best of luck on the season.

r/
Jason Aleksak
St. Anthony's Class of 1996

Jason Aleksak, LTJG
Officer Candidate School
41 Mohegan Ave
New London, CT 06320
860-701-6137
Fax: 860-701-6888

Hello to all fellow Friars,

I wanted to pass along my best wishes for continued success for the Rowing Team at St. Anthony’s. Alas I do not have the good fortune to be included in the hallowed halls of the St. Anthony’s Rowing Alumni since the team did not exist while I attended SAHS; I was forced to be content as a member of the Cross Country and Football teams. However, upon entering Manhattan College in the fall of 1990 I quickly fell in love with the sport of rowing. Throughout my years at the college, I was fortunate enough to meet people who have become and remain to be my closest friends – something that is a common occurrence with all rowers – including Kevin Cavanagh (SAHS Rowing ’92) and to travel around the eastern seaboard racing some incredible crews. I was browsing the school’s website when I came across your web page and took a stroll around. I am proud to read of all the accomplishments of the team throughout the island, state, and nation…Congratulations on a great season!!

As an additional note, one of the close friends I met through rowing is Mr. Eric Carcich (UMass ’92) who is currently the Freshman Lightweight Mens coach at Yale University. I would be happy to pass along any information for rowers interested in attending Yale or anyone simply wanting to talk to coach with a major rowing program. He has coached at Yale for three years during which time his top crews have captured three Eastern Sprints Medals, including a first place finish in 2002. And of course, if anyone is thinking of attending Manhattan College, I would be happy to answer any questions.

Well, best of luck to all in the Class of 2003 and continued success for St. Anthony’s in the future.
Cheers,
Douglas Friend (’90)

May 24, 2003

Allison Portnow (class of 2001) was the coxswain for the McGill University (Montreal, Canada) Womens Crew novice team for the 2002-2003 season. Allison will be coxing for the Montreal Rowing Club this summer. She has just finished her Sophomore year as a Music major at McGill.  Lauren Portnow (class of 2002) was the coxswain for the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Womens Crew novice team. Lauren is a Chemistry major a UNC. They are both expecting to compete on their Varsity teams next year.

April 11, 2003

Email from Martina Trucco, Class of 98

Hey!
So just thought you guys might like some info from an alumna….

I was on Penn’s crew team for two years, and graduated in 2002. Since then, I’ve stayed involved in crew since my boyfriend and a bunch of my friends are on the US National Team (my boyfriend Tom Paradiso is a 2-time Worlds bronze medal winner in the Ltwt 8+).

I’m currently finishing a Master’s program in Paris and would love to help anyone who would like more information about studying or working abroad (I’ve worked in Germany, France, the UK and Chile) – so please feel free to put my information on your site (email below). I also loved being at Penn and would be happy to send recruiting information to the coaches there whom I still have an excellent relationship with.

Take care and keep me updated! The site looks great.

Go St. A’s – Martina :o)

Martina Yvonne TRUCCO
HEC-Telecom Paris Master's Program
Digital Business Management - Class of 2003

martinat@wharton.upenn.edu
Martina, thanks for the email.